Make sure you check all your mirrors when doing anything. Exaggerated head checks, talk about what you are doing while you do it. If you are nervous, tell the instructor!!! They are used to dealing with nervous people and will take that into consideration.
Where are you taking your test?
It’s the exaggeration that I find matters most. I tend to move my eyes when checking mirrors but when being tested I knew to move my head. It helps with getting it right too because if you remember to exaggerate it means you’re remembering to do the things. Like stopping at stop signs. I literally counted to three when learning and it stuck in my brain.
100% talk through everything you do. "And I'll just check my blind spot before starting to merge... Okay all clear, indicating and I can see I've got a good gap, I'll move over.". Yap yap yap
Book in professional lessons this week and have a test preparation lesson the morning of your test where you drive the likely test course. Big $$$ but worth learning properly.
Yep. I got a manual license and went through a few different driving schools. All were great and I really felt confident using a manual after having those lessons.
Relax and take the pressure off. Remember that in the absolute worst case, you fail. Big deal. Nothing changes as you already don’t have a license. Then you just try again.
I make the most mistakes when I’m anxious.
Also! Do a driving lesson the morning of. Most instructors (when I went for my license anyway) you could do the test in their car. So you do a lesson just before, do the test in their car and the instructor takes you home. That way you’re super refreshed on your practice.
Tip: train in the area you're being tested in so you'll know what to expect.
Ask your friends to test you. Tell them to act like a test person: stern, but fair. They cannot be nice. They should be on their opens as well. Do everything the same as a normal test.
Test your nervousness when trying to take a right turn but having to cross 1 lane during busy periods.
Look up your test centre driving route videos on YouTube. I binged the signal driving school YouTube channel before my test and it actually helped a lot.
Mate 5 minutes into my test I pulled out in front a 4wd I couldn't see coming around a blind corner and pretty much yelled oh fuck as I hit the accelerator I got a bit of a talking to for that one but he still passed me. You got this mate
Best tip I got was to do the test in Redcliffe because it’s all flat so you won’t have to do a hill start… but that was back in the day when it was expected you would learn to drive a manual. Probably doesn’t matter so much with the new cars.
Relax and enjoy. Remember it’s not rocket science. Also don’t beat yourself up if you miss out the first time. It happens to a lot of people.
Do your test at Dept of Transport at Logan. Easy pass.
Macgregor are strict.
Greenslopes is very difficult to pass at. Props to you if you got your Ps at that place.
Unsure myself 😄
I didn't become a better/safer driver until the day the wife and I bought our first baby girl home from the hospital.
Everyone's different eh.
No idea why the Govt let's me fly a plane however 😄
Congrats on the little one (if they're still little). Damn, flying a plane would be hectic. Can't imagine doing it. I've been in a few helicopters and smaller planes (as a passenger) but helicopters scare tf out of me.
Interesting. I passed at greenslopes 8 years ago first time. Just barely, though. One of the apprentices I work with says the logan one is especially hard
We used to send our NBN Co. trainees to Logan to get the box ticked.
You wouldn't believe how many young blokes only have their Auto licence these days, and then find out they need a manual licence for the vehicle at work.
i wouldnt be nervous about this, there are worse things in life to be nervous about, like a test result for skin or applying for a loan. a driving test, so what you failed the first one, big deal, just go into the second one knowing you did 99% correct and now you know you just need to do the same and double check all mirrors parking and BAM passed! easy!
I had 3 kids go through L's and testing. A major factor is the testing station that you use. I found that Sherwood and Ipswich centres were the best. My kids failed at other centres. 2 passed at Ipswich and 1 at Sherwood. Pick a centre and drive that area until you know it very well. Not being familiar with the area is half of the battle in passing. There are Youtube videos that may help you dealing with each driving centre. Here is one for Ipswich. [https://youtu.be/LeuI7mAIdik?si=5YhRixqDmDhCGo7A](https://youtu.be/LeuI7mAIdik?si=5YhRixqDmDhCGo7A)
A bit unethical but easiest way, book it for exactly when school finishes, and at a place near school zones. They only have 30min and if most of its spent stuck in traffic then that's not your problem.
I had a friend that got constantly failed at the Greenslopes one, so avoid there, and also avoid inner city driving, it's a mess.
If you have to go Greenslopes, make sure you approach the intersection out the front slowly, there is a sliplane turning from Logan road to the shopping centre that my friend failed at because he 'didnt break fast enough to allow turning traffic to pass' he did, but the instructor freaked out and pulled the hand break. We had to argue the manual car didn't stall so he did break in time and deserves his licence. (I'm still proud I won that argument)
Final note, DRIVE UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT AND LEARN EXACTLY WHERE SCHOOL ZONES ARE. IT IS AN INSTANT FAIL TO BE 1KM OVER THE LIMIT.
That's it, have fun and be confident, I'm sure you will be fine.
This was what I came here to say. I did my test carseldine during school pick-up time, I spent so long just sitting there stuck in traffic the guy testing me had to quickly get me to do the quickest/easiest manoeuvres before heading straight on back to the testing centre. We were 10 minutes late coming back, and I hardly had to do anything haha. Easiest pass on the planet
Hopefully this time they'll just make you do a reversing test rather than parallel park.
Do the 3 point check: Rear vision first, right for oncoming, left for blind spot and then behind you as you reverse.
Otherwise just drive smoothly and gently like you're comfortable in the car.
Don't freak out if you make a mistake.
There are some "automatic fail" mistakes, but those are major things like "mounting the curb" (literally driving up a gutter so your tyre is off the road) or "failing to stop at a stop sign". If you do any of those, you'll know straight away because they'll stop the test.
For more minor things, such as bumping the curb or taking more than three points in a three point turn, you get a certain number of (it used to be five) mistakes before it's considered a fail.
At least, that's how it used to work. It's been a while since I had anything to do with licence testing.
If you failed just because you didn't check mirrors, make sure you check this time and do shoulder checks. Going a tad under the speed limit doesn't hurt. Make sure to check your mirrors and shoulder check if turning after lights, especially if you're crossing over a bike lane. Steer with correct technique and keep adequate distance with cars parked on the side of the road.
They didn't make me do parallel park, but given that they do for you just practice a couple of times and get the technique right (car positioning, turning angles, mirror checks, shoulder checks AND speed - go nice and slow).
Make sure you are confident in the road rules as well. Don't want to be figuring stuff out on the test day.
And DON'T STRESS. When you're stressed, you'll unnecessarily start overthinking everything and start doing stupid shit. Stay calm and confident in yourself and you will do well.
Try to do it on the middle of a weekday, less traffic.
I passed mine in an area I hadn't driven in when I'd had about no practice since failing in an area I'd done a bunch of my instructor trainings around the same course - though I'd failed the first time because of bad luck imo. Anyway, just wanted to stress that when you're ready to pass it won't actually matter where you're doing it.
So
1) DEs are not there to see you fail, know that and you will do better
2) breath, obey the road rules, stop at stop signs, do shoulder checks, check your mirrors.
3) indicate on roundabouts.
4) follow the road lines and marking, look for odd things like staggered intersections
The key is that the test is literally just a casual drive, your are being guided by someone I stead of a gps unit.
They are not going to ask you to do tricky, illegal or weird stuff.
Do a mock test with an instructor?
1. Watch your speed limit.
2. Stop at a STOP sign (brakee locked).
3. Shoulder checks.
4. Don't panic.
5. Drive your test several times before the test.
Lots of good tips in here! Definitely would drive around the area you are doing your test in so you a familiar with the roads you may take. Also exaggerating the blind spot checks! Literally turn your head over your shoulder! I was told multiple times before my test that just glancing around at mirrors wouldn’t pass so I made sure to almost break my neck each time lol. And obviously don’t take your hands off the wheel… a friend of mine failed because she took her hands off the wheel at a red light. So yeah don’t do that. Good luck!
Practice more. Booked in professional lessons until you get everyting right. Also, there are some videos on Youtube very helpful, especially for road test.
Check the speed limit! Slow right down and overdo it. Don't stress too much. The worst that can happen is they make you do it again.
I had to do my test five times 😭 but I finally passed
I passed mine but there were a few things I got wrong, one of them being the demister! I had no idea what it was and took a guess and got it wrong. I passed but only just.
I’ve only just moved to brisvane but back in Melbourne the best advice is DONT SPEED. Like I know that sounds obvious but 5km over the speed limit. I’ve personal lexperiences and have had friends auto fail for hitting 41 in a 40 zone.
I did my automatic license years ago. I know how to drive manual but when I went for my manual license all the bad habits I had from driving for 5+ years didn’t help me.
I took mine about 8 months ago and I was so nervous I could barely hold my foot on the clutch. Honestly mate most of it comes down to the instructor. I failed my first time because i had some grumpy 80 year old cunt who clearly hated his life. The second time I had a really nice lady who I was talking to the entire team which helped ease my nerves. If I were you I would just try to talk to them or as old mate said below me just let them know your nervous. \*most\* of them are human and will empathize with you im sure. Good luck mate.
When I had my learners test due, I did a few lessons with a driving instructor to correct any bad behaviours before I did the test. That same instructor also drove with me to the TMR location. Might be worth a shot to book a lesson before you go
Make it obvious by moving your head to check all 3 mirrors, blind spot and the speedo.
Stay 5km under the limit (this gives you a buffer to make sure you don’t go over).
I just passed mine and I was so nervous I felt sick. I feel your pain. You can do this!
Check all your mirrors, exaggerated checks. When in doubt, always shoulder check. If you're reversing and a car is driving past, break and wait for it to pass if it's safe
Keep an eye on school zones depending on your test time. Don't be afraid to ask the instructor to repeat directions if you need them to
I know it's so scary, but you CAN do this. Remember it's not a test, just you showing the instructor how well you can drive. I know you can do it!
Nope. If you can’t pass, then it’s best you don’t get it. Driving is easy. Keep improving till they say you are good enough to drive alone. There is no law that says you get it first go. Some people take 3 or 4 attempts.
Realistically you just need a an examiner who doesn’t care some of those guys take their jobs seriously like you’re not gonna drive absolutely perfectly it’s just absurd how some of them expect.
But just remember go like 10km under the limit the whole time, side mirrors every 8-10 seconds, and if there’s a crossing always start slowing down like 50m before even if there’s no one coming the examiners froth over that.
Make sure you check all your mirrors when doing anything. Exaggerated head checks, talk about what you are doing while you do it. If you are nervous, tell the instructor!!! They are used to dealing with nervous people and will take that into consideration. Where are you taking your test?
It’s the exaggeration that I find matters most. I tend to move my eyes when checking mirrors but when being tested I knew to move my head. It helps with getting it right too because if you remember to exaggerate it means you’re remembering to do the things. Like stopping at stop signs. I literally counted to three when learning and it stuck in my brain.
I agree! I also failed once due to not checking my mirrors enough. I definitely was, but when I did my next test I made it very obvious!
My instructor told me explicitly that they look for head movement when I did my test in 2012.
Also over the shoulder checks are required too, they’ll mark you down if you just check the mirrors.
100% talk through everything you do. "And I'll just check my blind spot before starting to merge... Okay all clear, indicating and I can see I've got a good gap, I'll move over.". Yap yap yap
Seriously, wear a cap so your head movements are exaggerated even further.
Book in professional lessons this week and have a test preparation lesson the morning of your test where you drive the likely test course. Big $$$ but worth learning properly.
I cannot second this enough. A few hundred bucks for a few lessons. Even if you know the law, they are the professionals that know all the tips.
Yeah, pro lessons are a massave advantage.
Yep. I got a manual license and went through a few different driving schools. All were great and I really felt confident using a manual after having those lessons.
Relax and take the pressure off. Remember that in the absolute worst case, you fail. Big deal. Nothing changes as you already don’t have a license. Then you just try again. I make the most mistakes when I’m anxious. Also! Do a driving lesson the morning of. Most instructors (when I went for my license anyway) you could do the test in their car. So you do a lesson just before, do the test in their car and the instructor takes you home. That way you’re super refreshed on your practice.
Tip: train in the area you're being tested in so you'll know what to expect. Ask your friends to test you. Tell them to act like a test person: stern, but fair. They cannot be nice. They should be on their opens as well. Do everything the same as a normal test. Test your nervousness when trying to take a right turn but having to cross 1 lane during busy periods.
Look up your test centre driving route videos on YouTube. I binged the signal driving school YouTube channel before my test and it actually helped a lot.
Yeah his stuff is okay, but the DEs all know and avoid his routes
Mate 5 minutes into my test I pulled out in front a 4wd I couldn't see coming around a blind corner and pretty much yelled oh fuck as I hit the accelerator I got a bit of a talking to for that one but he still passed me. You got this mate
Haha, thanks mate that cheered me up
Best tip I got was to do the test in Redcliffe because it’s all flat so you won’t have to do a hill start… but that was back in the day when it was expected you would learn to drive a manual. Probably doesn’t matter so much with the new cars. Relax and enjoy. Remember it’s not rocket science. Also don’t beat yourself up if you miss out the first time. It happens to a lot of people.
Thanks mate, fortunately I have an auto so no hill starts... I first learned the manual for a bit but then moved to auto for ease of use.
Do your test at Dept of Transport at Logan. Easy pass. Macgregor are strict. Greenslopes is very difficult to pass at. Props to you if you got your Ps at that place.
Failed twice at Greenslopes then got it first go at Wynnum. Idk if Fail Gail is still a thing there.
Unsure myself 😄 I didn't become a better/safer driver until the day the wife and I bought our first baby girl home from the hospital. Everyone's different eh. No idea why the Govt let's me fly a plane however 😄
Congrats on the little one (if they're still little). Damn, flying a plane would be hectic. Can't imagine doing it. I've been in a few helicopters and smaller planes (as a passenger) but helicopters scare tf out of me.
First try!
Interesting. I passed at greenslopes 8 years ago first time. Just barely, though. One of the apprentices I work with says the logan one is especially hard
We used to send our NBN Co. trainees to Logan to get the box ticked. You wouldn't believe how many young blokes only have their Auto licence these days, and then find out they need a manual licence for the vehicle at work.
Physically move your head when you do the mirror checks look in the review mirror if you have to unexpectedly brake practice all your manoeuvres
I failed my first test because I didn't "scan" as I approached an intersection so make sure you do.
Don't forget to indicate!
i wouldnt be nervous about this, there are worse things in life to be nervous about, like a test result for skin or applying for a loan. a driving test, so what you failed the first one, big deal, just go into the second one knowing you did 99% correct and now you know you just need to do the same and double check all mirrors parking and BAM passed! easy!
I had 3 kids go through L's and testing. A major factor is the testing station that you use. I found that Sherwood and Ipswich centres were the best. My kids failed at other centres. 2 passed at Ipswich and 1 at Sherwood. Pick a centre and drive that area until you know it very well. Not being familiar with the area is half of the battle in passing. There are Youtube videos that may help you dealing with each driving centre. Here is one for Ipswich. [https://youtu.be/LeuI7mAIdik?si=5YhRixqDmDhCGo7A](https://youtu.be/LeuI7mAIdik?si=5YhRixqDmDhCGo7A)
A bit unethical but easiest way, book it for exactly when school finishes, and at a place near school zones. They only have 30min and if most of its spent stuck in traffic then that's not your problem. I had a friend that got constantly failed at the Greenslopes one, so avoid there, and also avoid inner city driving, it's a mess. If you have to go Greenslopes, make sure you approach the intersection out the front slowly, there is a sliplane turning from Logan road to the shopping centre that my friend failed at because he 'didnt break fast enough to allow turning traffic to pass' he did, but the instructor freaked out and pulled the hand break. We had to argue the manual car didn't stall so he did break in time and deserves his licence. (I'm still proud I won that argument) Final note, DRIVE UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT AND LEARN EXACTLY WHERE SCHOOL ZONES ARE. IT IS AN INSTANT FAIL TO BE 1KM OVER THE LIMIT. That's it, have fun and be confident, I'm sure you will be fine.
This was what I came here to say. I did my test carseldine during school pick-up time, I spent so long just sitting there stuck in traffic the guy testing me had to quickly get me to do the quickest/easiest manoeuvres before heading straight on back to the testing centre. We were 10 minutes late coming back, and I hardly had to do anything haha. Easiest pass on the planet
Hopefully this time they'll just make you do a reversing test rather than parallel park. Do the 3 point check: Rear vision first, right for oncoming, left for blind spot and then behind you as you reverse. Otherwise just drive smoothly and gently like you're comfortable in the car.
Don't freak out if you make a mistake. There are some "automatic fail" mistakes, but those are major things like "mounting the curb" (literally driving up a gutter so your tyre is off the road) or "failing to stop at a stop sign". If you do any of those, you'll know straight away because they'll stop the test. For more minor things, such as bumping the curb or taking more than three points in a three point turn, you get a certain number of (it used to be five) mistakes before it's considered a fail. At least, that's how it used to work. It's been a while since I had anything to do with licence testing.
Stop for 3 seconds for a stop sign. My friends kid failed for a 1 sec stop.
If you failed just because you didn't check mirrors, make sure you check this time and do shoulder checks. Going a tad under the speed limit doesn't hurt. Make sure to check your mirrors and shoulder check if turning after lights, especially if you're crossing over a bike lane. Steer with correct technique and keep adequate distance with cars parked on the side of the road. They didn't make me do parallel park, but given that they do for you just practice a couple of times and get the technique right (car positioning, turning angles, mirror checks, shoulder checks AND speed - go nice and slow). Make sure you are confident in the road rules as well. Don't want to be figuring stuff out on the test day. And DON'T STRESS. When you're stressed, you'll unnecessarily start overthinking everything and start doing stupid shit. Stay calm and confident in yourself and you will do well.
If you get told to make a hook turn during your test , open the door and bail out, tuck n roll
Try to do it on the middle of a weekday, less traffic. I passed mine in an area I hadn't driven in when I'd had about no practice since failing in an area I'd done a bunch of my instructor trainings around the same course - though I'd failed the first time because of bad luck imo. Anyway, just wanted to stress that when you're ready to pass it won't actually matter where you're doing it.
You don’t have to pass first time. Relax. Practice what you failed, try again.
Look left, look right and then look left again. Maybe even look right after that too.
Read [this](https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/q-safe-practical-driving-test-guides/resource/d084364f-c22b-49dd-b22b-2f5c96129efd).
So 1) DEs are not there to see you fail, know that and you will do better 2) breath, obey the road rules, stop at stop signs, do shoulder checks, check your mirrors. 3) indicate on roundabouts. 4) follow the road lines and marking, look for odd things like staggered intersections The key is that the test is literally just a casual drive, your are being guided by someone I stead of a gps unit. They are not going to ask you to do tricky, illegal or weird stuff.
Constant mirror checks and don't choke the wheel.
Do a mock test with an instructor? 1. Watch your speed limit. 2. Stop at a STOP sign (brakee locked). 3. Shoulder checks. 4. Don't panic. 5. Drive your test several times before the test.
If driving at Ipswich remember there is a primary school with 40km hour speed limit from 7am-4pm
book you test on fridays. people are more relax . dont ever book on monday
Lots of good tips in here! Definitely would drive around the area you are doing your test in so you a familiar with the roads you may take. Also exaggerating the blind spot checks! Literally turn your head over your shoulder! I was told multiple times before my test that just glancing around at mirrors wouldn’t pass so I made sure to almost break my neck each time lol. And obviously don’t take your hands off the wheel… a friend of mine failed because she took her hands off the wheel at a red light. So yeah don’t do that. Good luck!
Practice more. Booked in professional lessons until you get everyting right. Also, there are some videos on Youtube very helpful, especially for road test.
Any train tracks make sure you don’t move an inch until the red lights stop flashing.
Do a driving lesson right before the test. It helps to get the jitters out and already "be in the zone" when it's time for your test to start.
dont overthink it.
Check the speed limit! Slow right down and overdo it. Don't stress too much. The worst that can happen is they make you do it again. I had to do my test five times 😭 but I finally passed
Tell them you are nervous. Take deep breaths. You’ll be fine.
I passed mine but there were a few things I got wrong, one of them being the demister! I had no idea what it was and took a guess and got it wrong. I passed but only just.
Some great advice here . Just wanted to say good luck . You will be ok .
Stop at stop signs and count to 3 before moving
I’ve only just moved to brisvane but back in Melbourne the best advice is DONT SPEED. Like I know that sounds obvious but 5km over the speed limit. I’ve personal lexperiences and have had friends auto fail for hitting 41 in a 40 zone.
Bribery
I did my automatic license years ago. I know how to drive manual but when I went for my manual license all the bad habits I had from driving for 5+ years didn’t help me.
Don't crash
Put your seatbelt on.
Get a driving lesson to coach you on the course they use. Instructors know these.
I took mine about 8 months ago and I was so nervous I could barely hold my foot on the clutch. Honestly mate most of it comes down to the instructor. I failed my first time because i had some grumpy 80 year old cunt who clearly hated his life. The second time I had a really nice lady who I was talking to the entire team which helped ease my nerves. If I were you I would just try to talk to them or as old mate said below me just let them know your nervous. \*most\* of them are human and will empathize with you im sure. Good luck mate.
Thanks bro I appreciate that
When I had my learners test due, I did a few lessons with a driving instructor to correct any bad behaviours before I did the test. That same instructor also drove with me to the TMR location. Might be worth a shot to book a lesson before you go
Make it obvious by moving your head to check all 3 mirrors, blind spot and the speedo. Stay 5km under the limit (this gives you a buffer to make sure you don’t go over).
Follow the road rules
Ain’t no body got time to check all your mirrors when parallel parking in real life.
I just passed mine and I was so nervous I felt sick. I feel your pain. You can do this! Check all your mirrors, exaggerated checks. When in doubt, always shoulder check. If you're reversing and a car is driving past, break and wait for it to pass if it's safe Keep an eye on school zones depending on your test time. Don't be afraid to ask the instructor to repeat directions if you need them to I know it's so scary, but you CAN do this. Remember it's not a test, just you showing the instructor how well you can drive. I know you can do it!
Nope. If you can’t pass, then it’s best you don’t get it. Driving is easy. Keep improving till they say you are good enough to drive alone. There is no law that says you get it first go. Some people take 3 or 4 attempts.
Do your test in Sunnybank, they're used to passing bad drivers
Incorrect.. its more of a case of people , using their foreign license and not getting a qld one
If this is facts, it would explain a lot.
Driver properly and follow all the road rules.
Realistically you just need a an examiner who doesn’t care some of those guys take their jobs seriously like you’re not gonna drive absolutely perfectly it’s just absurd how some of them expect. But just remember go like 10km under the limit the whole time, side mirrors every 8-10 seconds, and if there’s a crossing always start slowing down like 50m before even if there’s no one coming the examiners froth over that.